Birthday reflections

20 years old today. Two decades. It's so crazy to think of it in terms of decades.
It's sort of a long while, yet I feel like it's flown by- and it's only the beginning.

This morning, I woke up to my dad saying "Happy birthday, Little Monster." It was so sweet!

I've learned so much, and I've still much to learn I know. One thing that I want to keep learning my whole entire life is how to love others. It's so essential, and it's what Jesus did. He has loved us with an everlasting love, even to the point of dying on the cross for us. Oh that I could love others to that extent, to the point of being willing to die in their place. That is true love.

Very special last night- a night of prophecy by Michael Cotten at V2- it was so cool to see God speaking through him into people's lives, to see them touched as they received a word from the Lord. Afterwards, I asked if he could pray for me because it was my birthday the next day. I was blown away by the things that he said. Firstly, he said that God has given me a resiliance and a flexibility to bend, but not break. This is coupled with an endurance to run the race and not grow weary. He also prophecied over my future husband and my career! It was pretty cool.

Thank you Lord for giving me life, for sustaining me. You alone are good and just. You have been my sustenence through it all, through the storm and in the brightest of sunshine. I would not be who I am today if it weren't for knowing you Jesus. I don't even know if I would be here today if it weren't for your hand upholding me through the darkest of hours. I love you Lord and I look forward to the next 20 years with You, and the next and the next.

~Lysandra Elena

Talent & Aspirations

This weekend, I had the privilege to attend the North Carolinians for Home Education Conference in Winston-Salem. It was truly a dynamic time with great speakers. John Stonestreet had so many great things to say- I think I went to 2-3 of his sessions- it was awesome. What was really exciting was that Casiphia & I were accepted into the talent showcase on Friday night with our dance piece, Carried to the Table by Leeland.

There is something so special about using your gifts for the Lord, and being able to share them with others. It's so fulfilling. Reflecting back, I think of the exhilarating feeling of going onto the stage and doing what you were created to do. I joke and tell people sometimes that I was dancing in the womb. But seriously, I probably was :)

I am so grateful to the Lord for this opportunity, and for parents who have been so supportive over the years. They have driven me to so many rehearsals and practices for dance. It has been such a blessing and I love you mom and dad!!

On another note,
I am taking a summer Biology class. So far I really like my teacher, who makes a 50-min session seem like 15. Although I do not enjoy the movie to hold us through the last hour of lab, I am pretty excited to be learning more about God's creation. I love to learn and I'm looking forward to a great 8 weeks.

God Bless!!

~Lysandra